low EtOH sensitivity of NR2C-containing receptors. Receptors containing the NR3 subunit are relatively insensitive to inhibition by EtOH, but inclusion of the NR2B-subunit enhances the EtOH inhibitory action on NR3-containing receptors (Jin et al. 2008). In addition, Mg2+ enhances EtOH inhibition of several NR1/2 and N1/2/3 receptor combinations, especially when NR2B is present (Jin et al. 2008). This finding may account for the larger effect of EtOH on NR2B containing NMDARs seen in some neuronal preparations (e.g. Fink and Göthert 1996; Lovinger 1995).
